Oregon rebounds against Nevada, 69-20

Share this story

»Play VideoOregon running back Tra Carson carries the ball as Nevada's Khalid Wooten (2) gives chase during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Tyler Lantrip, a fifth-year senior making his first career start, completed 21 of 35 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown for Nevada, which was playing its season opener.

The loss snapped Nevada's seven-game winning streak, which dated to last season when the Wolf Pack went 13-1 and were ranked No. 11 to end the season.

After facing unrelenting pressure in a 40-27 loss to then-No. 4 LSU last week, Darron Thomas was controlled and confident, completing 13 of 19 passes for 295 yards. He was replaced late in the third quarter by backup Bryan Bennett.

The six TD tosses matched the single-game school record set twice by Joey Harrington and once by Danny O'Neil.

Oregon reinstated linebacker Kiko Alonso and cornerback/kick returner Cliff Harris for the game. Both had been suspended indefinitely after offseason offenses.

The Ducks have not dropped a home opener since 2004.

Oregon built a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. Darron Thomas immediately answered the critics who questioned why he didn't run more against LSU by sprinting for a 26-yard gain on Oregon's first drive. James punched it in 4 yards for the score, but the two-point try didn't work.

Nevada got within field-goal range in the quarter, but Anthony Martinez's 38-yard attempt was blocked by John Boyett. Oregon's ensuing series was highlighted by De'Anthony Thomas' 62-yard dash and capped by Darron Thomas' 3-yard scoring pass to Lavasier Tuinei.

Troy Hill intercepted Lantrip's pass on the Oregon 11 and ran it back 45 yards, before Darron Thomas hit James with a 44-yard pass to make it 20-0.

Darron Thomas also found Rahsaan Vaughn with a 25-yard scoring pass and freshman tight end Colt Lyerla with a 20-yard TD strike.

Nevada scored with 1:52 left in the half on Lantrip's 5-yard pass to Mike Ball, but the Ducks quickly answered with Darron Thomas' 24-yard scoring pass to De'Anthony Thomas to make it 41-7 at the break.

Lantrip is taking over at quarterback for Nevada this season after the storied career of four-year starter Colin Kaepernick, a second-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in this year's NFL draft.

Lantrip had thrown just 23 career passes going into the game at notoriously loud Autzen Stadium. He was intercepted twice by the Ducks.

Oregon opened the second half with James' 58-yard punt return to make it 48-7.

James, a Heisman finalist who averaged more than 144 yards rushing last season, was held to 54 yards by LSU last weekend. Against Nevada he showed his versatility, helping out on punt returns in the absence of fellow running back Kenjon Barner, who did not play because of an ankle injury sustained against LSU.

Nevada's Stephon Jefferson had a 1-yard run midway through the fourth quarter to make it 48-13.

On the next series, Darron Thomas hit De'Anthony Thomas with another touchdown pass, this time a 69-yarder.

Nevada's Cody Fajardo ran 7 yards for a score to make it 55-20 midway through the fourth quarter, but Oregon redshirt freshman Ayele Forde added a 26-yard scoring run with 2:24 left and Boseko Lokombo's 67-yard interception return with 20 seconds left provided the final margin.

Alonso was reinstated for the game by coach Chip Kelly on Friday. The senior was suspended in May after an alcohol-related offense.

Harris, an All-American who broke up 23 passes last season and averaged 18.8 yards per punt return, was reinstated just before Saturday's game. His suspension came after he was cited for driving 118 mph with a suspended license in June.